Hawaii Senate Bill SR60

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Requesting The Governor's Coordinator On Homelessness To Conduct A Study On The Cost Of Programs And Services Necessary To End Chronic Homelessness By 2030.

Impact

The resolution underscores a growing concern for the social fabric of Hawaii, where a notable percentage of the homeless population comprises Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. SR60 is particularly significant as it invokes the commitment of the current administration to drastically reduce homelessness, aiming to halving the figures by 2030. The outcome of the proposed study has the potential to inform policy-making and direct state resources more effectively towards solving the homelessness crisis.

Summary

Senate Resolution 60 (SR60) is a legislative proposal requesting the Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness to conduct a comprehensive study focused on the costs of programs and services necessary to eradicate chronic homelessness in Hawaii by the year 2030. This resolution comes in response to the ongoing and persistent challenge of homelessness in the state, highlighted by the 2022 Point-In-Time Count which documented nearly 6,000 individuals experiencing homelessness, with significant concentrations on Oahu.

Contention

A vital aspect of SR60 relates to the identity of the study, which will encompass not only the cost of shelter space and transitional housing but also essential social services such as mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and housing assistance. This comprehensive view illustrates the interconnected issues that must be tackled to address chronic homelessness effectively. However, there may be contention over the allocation of state resources and prioritization among various programs, as funding decisions will emerge from the findings and recommendations of the study.